Big Brother icon reveals 6 stone weight loss after ‘life-saving’ surgery-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Nadia Almada has revealed her transformation after ‘life-saving’ surgery (Picture: Shutterstock)

Big Brother legend Nadia Almada has revealed her weight loss after gastric band surgery.

The reality star, who made history as the show’s first transgender winner, took home the win in 2004, before returning in 2010 on Ultimate Big Brother.

The 47-year-old has made fewer public appearances in recent years, though she keeps loyal fans updated with regular social media posts, including a recent one showing off her incredible figure in a bodysuit.

Talking about her recent body transformation, Nadia has opened up about losing more than six stone in recent months, going from 17st6lb to 11st8lb.

She underwent gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey in March this year, after a suggestion from her mum.

‘When she told me I should get the surgery, it was the relief and reassurance that I needed,’ Nadia said.

The TV star won Big Brother in 2004 (Picture: Stuart Atkins/Shutterstock)

‘I was a size 20 and a shadow of my former self. I had no stamina, no energy, no vitality – and there was a higher risk of having major heart problems or a stroke from the weight that I’d been carrying.

‘Plus, I couldn’t wear heels because my feet were so swollen. That was the last straw.’

Speaking to OK!, she added that the surgery has left her feeling ‘prettier slender’ as well as ‘happy’ to have reversed damage like lowering her cholesterol and thyroid levels.

‘I’ve got more energy and I just feel better with myself. It was really life-saving surgery for me,’ she said.

Nadia spoke of feeling ‘prettier slender’ and transforming her health after surgery (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

She went on to appear on Ultimate Big Brother (Picture: Shutterstock)

Nadia went on to reveal the ‘bizarre side effects’ of her weight loss journey, including ‘withdrawal symptoms’ from eating ‘enormous amounts’ of food.

‘After surgery, my brain went haywire because I couldn’t have the same habits. I went crazy,’ she said, recalling how she ‘spent hundreds of pounds on ingredients I’d never bought before, because my brain was craving all this stuff’.

Nadia made history on the fifth series of the reality show, as she became the first ever transgender contestant to not only take part, but win.

Last year, she spoke about feeling ‘protective’ of one of the housemates, Hallie, who bravely came out to her co-stars.

The TV star made history as the first trans Big Brother winner (Picture: PA)

Nadia revealed the ‘bizarre side effects’ of her surgery (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Nadia said at the time: ‘I knew immediately once she came out and she made that beautiful moment to her housemates and the nation – presenting herself and her identity as trans – I automatically felt very protective of her.’

She continued to The Mirror: ‘She’s gonna transcend beyond being trans and, hopefully, she’ll be an amazing contestant for weeks to come.’

She added: ‘She needs to understand that Hallie is Hallie and there are layers other than gender identity – she is trans but there is also the responsibility of being a trans woman and that’s where there’s somewhat an expectation from the community and from within herself, how she’s being perceived but she shouldn’t be!

‘We all come in shapes and sizes we all are who we are and it’s not the only thing she has to offer and hopefully we’ll find out in weeks to come.’

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